n Local efforts to assist the Philippines, ravaged earlier this month by a typhoon that killed 1,000. Southeast Texas Filipinos will leave Jan. 8 to help in the recovery. The local branch of the non-profit Gawad Kalinga will hold a benefit concert Saturday, Jan. 5, at 4 p.m. at Beaumont's Jefferson Theatre to raise money to build more housing.

n Jeff LaComb, who retired as Kountze fire chief earlier this month after 34 years, making way for longtime Kountze volunteer firefighter Jim Stoepleman.

n Arthur Guy, who retired as constable of Hardin County Precinct 2 after 20 years of service.

Brickbats go to:

n Thoughtless and inconsiderate drivers who wait to merge until right before a lane ends, even though they knew the need a mile earlier.